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Hello from England

Hello I'm new here.
I just got my bass the other day and wanted some advice on what is best for beginners and what are good songs for beginners like me to learn. :d
I have a bass guitar, and now for my first question!
What is the red thread around the end of the strings for?
 
Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.

1. MUST READS
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 If I only knew then..
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Best musical advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481465 Every bassist should know

2. NEWBIES (& Non-NEWBIES)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=538844 The musician's life
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519913 Where to start
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6635655&postcount=16 2 starter books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489818 Beginners mistakes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=535355 Pick/not to Pick?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6776933&postcount=40 Developing musically
http://www.joesolomonbassworkshop.com/article.htm "Go slow" practice method
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363909 Find a teacher
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484065 Guitarist switchs to bass

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6817723 First bass advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=530543 Setup a bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519803 Get that dead flatwound string sound
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55969 Flatwound convert

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500040 Upgrade bass/amp first?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504263 Tab/not to tab?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520008 Getting off tabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481548 Sight read standard notation(SN)?


http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7125159 Dmanlamius' beginner's site
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ First bass lesson (click on Beginners)
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Intro bass website,learn songs,videos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513657 Tab based (w/audio) lessons

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507568 Tascam Bass Trainer

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314073 1 Buy cables
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511817 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493548 High end vs. low end

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522579 1 Comfortable strap
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7067672&postcount=6 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419687 3



http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Visual Beginning Theory, ear trainer
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=21 Learning rhythm
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Learning rhythm
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/3000-2133_4-10004005.html Read bass clef software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79878 Read bass clef discussion
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Online bass clef audio/visual trainer
http://www.playthebass.com print bass clef flashcards/staff paper


3. LEARNING
~Practicing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50170 Technique forum
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6634274 1 How to practice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524573 2

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499438 Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519742 "Band-in-a Box" software for practicing

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509908 Good headphones

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491293 Help! My wrist/fingers are sore/tingling
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498831 Repairing cuts on your fingers

~Instructional materials
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Books, DVDs, all styles/ methods
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99676 Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173764 "Best" theory/harmony book
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490379 TB Book Links - all styles,levels,techniques
http://www.jonliebman.com/ See all of TB member Jonster's books and others
http://nashvillenumbersystem.com/ Nashville Number System
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6857992#post6857992 Bassist's guide to singing

~Online lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481448 Who's the best Youtube teacher?

Link Removed Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free/paid lessons w/Cliff Engel
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23303 Cliff Engel customer reviews

http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK- videos and more
http://www.studybass.com/ Read music,lessons, online metronome,bass clef tutor & more
http://www.activebass.com/ Sound files/tab/standard. notation based lessons..more
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Tech advice,drills, bass sound files & more.
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists, videos & more,

~Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html Different styles by NickonBass
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php Drum tracks

~Software: Transcribing, Slow Down, Looping, Recording, Utilities
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142112 1 Slow down software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269168 2

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501892 Transcribing software

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374400 Free music software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484028 Cheap/good recording software

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479642 Computer utilities/software

~Ear training
http://www.good-ear.com/
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Test your ear
http://www.miles.be/ Free downloadable ear trainer (basic/advanced) Solfege training.
http://www.teoria.com/ Many trainers/tutorials. Music theory, ear training, read music, chords, intervals, etc.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479401 Discussion of Solfege

~Sight Reading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6521582 1 Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541504 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=473968 Improve site reading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125519 Practicing sight reading

~Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56761 Learning basic theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88294 Intro scale & chord theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2338584&postcount=4 Theory links list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507769 Theory (from the DB side of TB)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485421 Learning "modes"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498975 Reason for modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6703697&postcount=22 Using modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511516 Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=80043 Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)


~Getting creative
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125536 Where does creativity come from?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6770334 1 Creating bass lines
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506691 2 - Target Approach
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491679 3 - For a jam

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500896 Playing scales

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777192&postcount=7 Playing behind/ahead of the beat
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173311 "Feel"

~Going "pro"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493881 Becoming a session player
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353486

~Teaching Bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479377
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507075

4.COLLEGE MUSIC
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480154 So you want to be a music major in college?
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Theory Dictionary
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506931 Auditioning for college jazz band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=537637 College audition dilemma
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page Classical sheet music (free)

5. STYLES
~Blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/appendix/blues/Bluesprogression.html progressions explained w/ audio samples
Link Removed Basic lessons/free backing tracks-NickonBass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7306516#post7306516 Slow
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=534111 Blues bass player's club

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517439 jam progressions
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469825 ii-V-I
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517730 1 First jam
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523050 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522409 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502819 Gig coming up

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6527889&postcount=10 Influential musicians (mostly) pre-1959
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues History and styles

http://www.amazon.com/Blues-Bass-Jon-Liebman/dp/0793586682 "Blues Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314342 Blues books
http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Sharp-Blues-Guitar-Turnarounds-Music/dp/B000PHU7J2 "101 Razor-Sharp Blues Turnarounds by Larry McCabe
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rhythm-Guitar-Guide-Blues/dp/1574241389/ref=pd_sim_b_1 "Complete Rhythm Guitar Guide for Blues Bands" by Larry McCabe

~Funk,Groove,R&B
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=530125 Links to over 20 funk,groove and R&B bass players
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501425 Funk 101
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Bass-Bui...079351620X/ref=pd_sim_b_5/185-2146101-2319058 "Funk Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.amazon.com/Funkmasters-Great-James-Rhythm-Sections/dp/1576234436/ref=pd_sim_b_1 R&B/Funk
Link Removed " Standing in the Shadows of Motown" James Jamerson book/CD
Link Removed Funk Bass Bible
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9859 New funk groups

~Latin
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522578 Learning Latin music
http://www.amazon.com/Latin-Bass-Bo...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232222000&sr=1-1 "The Latin Bass Book" by Oscar Stagnaro/Chuck Sher

~Jazz
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502252 Learning
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Improvization Primer (Book/Online)
http://www.finerethan.wordpress.com/ Theory, soloing, videos by Ethans1980
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=482544 Walking bass lines examples
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485799 Walking bass lines books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290907 Jazz Scales
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/index.htm History of Jazz

~Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=514529 Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497571 How to scream/growl

~Hip-Hop
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496467

6. BEING IN A BAND
~Starting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777630&postcount=9 How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493356 Playing in a 3 piece band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=319355 New Band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495628 Cover band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=526584 Cover band setlists
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6999210&postcount=9 Covers vs. Originals
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483181 Tribute band

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508611 Advertising for new member(s)

~Auditioning
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494723 1 How to audition for new band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525271 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492200 1 Auditioning: new member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501208 2 new member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113925 3 red flag stories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391461 4 story

~Band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6734711 Real band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507131 Infamous band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510146 Changing band name
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm

~Leaving the band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73200 Quitting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425221 Getting fired

~Band management
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507322 Intro
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477182 Books

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466534 First band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504370 Democracy/dictatorship?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508702 Firing a band member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508446 Band "funds"

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509379 Originals Band "paying dues"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494100 Is playing for "free" really "free"?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503211 Getting gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500417 Advertising yourself
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442203 Business cards

~Band Reheasal/Gigs/PA
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515693 1 First gig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3743 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518269 3

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521015 Wear plugs!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=524880 In-ear monitors
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479102 Band rehearsal/headphones

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486490 Learning set list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484615 1 Rehearsal: tips
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458468 2 -efficiency
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489244 3 -how often?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=541665 Recording rehearsals/practice/gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465992 Learn Live Sound mixing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237521 FOH vs. on-stage sound

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483338 1 Sound proofing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=526223 2-w/ room pics
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6914637 3-w/ room pics

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=538164 1 Moving equipment
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492051 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497067 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7048418&postcount=7 Coiling cables

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181555 What's in your gig bag?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441138 To noodle/not to noodle?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5622952 Being asked to turn down the VOLUME
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84740 Compression Benefits

~~PA
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7044862 What size?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=43 First
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166225 Configuring
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442966 1 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5041266 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510214 Learn Live Sound mixing
http://www.recordingwebsite.com/articles/eqprimer.php EQ primer (all instruments)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163735 Recording/Mixing

~Cool rigs, equipment and info
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=542774 Amp FAQs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2968494 30 light weight cabs,amps, combos

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515702 1 Buying combo
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519459 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=533764 Combos vs Head/Cab
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475615 Pre/Power Amp vs Head/Cab or Combo

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455442 1 10s v. 12s v. 15s v. 18s
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=537446 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280571 4x10 vs. 2-2x10 vs. 2x10/1x15 vertical stack
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347456 4x10 vs. 2x10/1x15

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=450492 1 Happy with my rig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528114 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506640 Micro-rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446 1 Mini-rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193818 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6729196 Rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2020562 Big cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491220 "I want a monster amp!"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508659 Ulitmate fantasy rig

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310402 Gear insurance http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432560 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other

~Building/Fixin' Stuff
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499264 Upgrade speakers
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523085 Cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5772790#post5772790 Cabs(w/plans) + discussion
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7046092 Bill Fitzmaurice cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57 Fiberglass cab

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18 Building a tube amp
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480666 Fix tube amps
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480686 Sunn 2000s amp
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484653 Tube amp tech links

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 TB's Luthier's Corner
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Bass Setup/Repair

7. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481465 Gadgets/Gizmos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=538844 Tips for living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519913 Save money
 
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Hello karl from England!!! hello from Indonesia..

playing as much as you can and you will develop your bass playing alot.. :)


if u want to know my playing , check out my videos in youtube :

cloudy butterfly

Thanx 4 everything..

god bless.. cheers..